Geographic-position indicator.



E'. R. SWEENY.

GEOGRAPHIC POSITION INDICATOR.

APPLIoATIoN FILED JUNI: 22, 1911,.

Patented Feb. 3, 1914.V

4 SHEETS-SHEET' 1.

P. R. SWBENYQ GEOGRAPHIC POSITION INDICATOR. APPLIUATIONTILED JUNE zz, 1911.

1,086,242. YPfgitena Feb. s, 1914.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

II In,

P. R. SWBBNY. GEOGRAPHIC POSITION INDICATOR.

- Patented Feb.3,1914.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3. alga 4 APPLICATION FILED JUNE 22, 1911.

VIII

fee-

F. B.. SWEENY.

GEOGRAPHIC POSITION INDICATOR. APPLICATION FILED JUNE 22, 1911.

1,086,242. Paentea Fens, 1914.

4 Bynum-SHEET 4.

WITNSSSES:

v i nvt/Enron l/ A I 1921/2626 f3. wege/wy 'n UNITED STATES PATENTA OFFICE.

FRANCIS R. SWEENY, OF CLEMSON COLLEGE, SOUTH CAROLINA.

Specification of vLetters Patent.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANCIS R. SWEENY,

to provide in an apparatus of the character.

mentioned a plurality of members, one thereof being maintained parallel to the ea-rths polar axis and the other of said members' being maintained fixed in space without reference to the earths surface; to provide the said members above mentioned with indices adapted to show .the variation of the plumb levels at all points on the eart-hs surface; and to provide in an apparatus of the character mentioned means convenient for initially setting and freely operating the instrumentalities of the said apparatus.

One embodiment of the present invention is disclosed in the structure illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like characters of reference denote corresponding parts in all the views, and in which- Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus constructed and arranged in accordance with the present invention, showing the same as disclosed in a case for safe keeping and for observation; Fig. 2 is a horizontal section ofthe apparatus, the upper portion of the balancing gimbals being removed; Fig. 3 is a side View in detail and on an enlarged scale, of one.of `the holding clamps for the gyroscopically controlled frame; Fig. 4 is a face view of the same; Fig. 5 is a detail view in section of one of the bea-rings employed for mount-ing the shafts employed in the present invention; Fig. 6 is a detail view Ionan enlarged scale, showing the means employed by me for transferring the elect-ric current employed in conjunction with the apparatus from the relatively fixed v to the relatively rotary parts thereof; and

Fig. 7 is a detailview in side elevation of a lower fragment of one of the suspending gimbals together with a. gyroscope arranged for use in conjunction with a gyroscopically controlled frame.

` drawings.

r Patented Feb. 3,1914.

Application led June 22, 1911'. Serial N o. 634,680.

In one employment of the apparatus the same'is carried on board a ship, being supported in la case constructed and arranged as shown in Fig.1 of the' drawings, having preferably aglobe-like body A, which is supported by an annular ring B having legs C. The upper half of the case is preferably constructed .from transparent material, such vas. a glass half globe D. Within the case thus formed, and supported upon trunni'ons 121s a preferably balanced ring or gimbal 13. Supported on the gimbal 13, on trun- 'nions 14 disposed diametrically opposite the trunnions 12, is a ring or gimbal 15. will benoted that the trunnions 12 and lllare lmounted in the sameplane. Being diametrically opposed, the bearings provide for rocking the said case while the gimbals and machinery supported thereby maintain al horizontal level.

Mounted within the gimbal 15 by means of'the vertically disposed trunnions 16 Vis ally supports a frame 18, the samerbeing provided with a shaft 19 which is furnished with journal bearings in the boxes 20. The

boxes 20 are disposed on the ring 17 in the same` plane with the trunnions 12 and 14. The frame 18 is accurately balanced to support two gyroscopes21 and 22. The gyroscope 21 is mounted in bearings 23 formed in the rails 24. The gyroscope 22 is mounted in bearings 25.formed in an accurately balanced frame/ 2G, as seen in Fig. 2 of the The frame 26 is provided with bearings 27- Each of the Lgyroscopes 'is driven; by an electric motor 29, the frames whereof are connected by feet 3 0 to the frame 18, and to the frame 26. The armatures of the said motors are mounted on the shafts of the gyroscopes 21 and 22, respectively.

The frame 18, with-the gyroscopes 21 and 22, and driving mechanism connected therewith, are evenly balanced on the shaft 19. The frame 26 is evenly balanced in the bearings 27. Any suitable meansvfor increasing and diminishing the weight of either side of the said frame 18 may be employed. It has been deemed inadvisable to show such a construction in the present drawings. The'frame is provided on one of the longi. tudinal sides with a fluid level 31 whichindicates the out of level condition of the said frame. A similar level 32 is rovided on the frame 18extending perpendlcular to the a supporting ring 17. The ring 17 pivot- Vec level 31, and, preferably mounted in line with the shaft 19. To plumb the gimbal 15 and the ring 17 the latter is temporarily provided with Huid levels 33. and 34. After each part of the apparatus has been separately balanced and all the arts are assembled, ,the resultant center o gravity will be in vertical line with the intersection of the axes of said gimbals. The gimbals and support-ing rings are each made heavier on the lower half'. This results in locating the center of gravity of the whole below the intersection of said axes. Also the center of gravity ofthe apparat-us will be below its geometric center and hold the same truly vertical; and the shaft. 19 horizontal. When adjusted the ring 17 stands vertical and the shaft 19 horizontal. 'llhe levels 33 and 34 may be removed. When in position they are mounted as best seen inFig. 1 of the drawings, in mutually perpendicular relation, and operate as telltales, should the assembled parts prove to'be unbalanced.V

By rotatin the ring 17 within the gimbal 15 about t e trunnlons 16, and observing the play ofA the spots on the levels 33 and 34, an accurate adjustment can be made for truing the balance of the apparatus. Each trunnion is provided with clampingjaws.

35. These jaws are drawn together by double pitched screw 36. The pivoted structures are thus locked in position.- The y screw 36 is provided with the knurled head Y37, as best seen in Figs. 3 and 4 of the drawings. When thus locked the shaft .19 is rocked bymanipulating the thrust bolt 38 to rest against the side of the bracket plate 29. On the opposite side of the bracket plate 39 is a spring moved plunger bolt 40. The screw 38 and Abolt 40 are respectively mounted in bearings 41 which are extended from the bracket plate 43 mounted rigidly on the ring 17.

When the electric motors 29 have been en- 45 ierglzed and are operating at speed in each clamp, the screw 36 is manipulated to o en the jaws It will now be observed t at in conformity with the law controlling the action of gyroscopes, thetwo gyroscopes 21 and 22 will continuously maintain themselves in the plane in which the ,are initially sei:` and so long as the rotat1on of the said gyroseopes is continued.`

It will be observed, that as the machine is' moved from oint to point on thegearths surface the p umb line of the said machine will vary to conform'v with the movements, while the frames 18 and 26 maintain the initial disposition or .the planes inwhich they were primarily set. By'taking advantage of th1s difference in action'of the ring 17 and the said frames 18and 26, there-may atall times be indicatedin the machine the positionv of. the machine relative to the.-

es earths -v surface.

aosaaea Adjustably mounted on the trunnion of j; the frame 26, resting inthe bearings 27, is a graduated ring 44. The ring 44 is suitably lgraved to show 360 majordivisions corresponding to the 360 of the complete circle, the major divisions being subdivided to suit. A Vernier plate 45 is rigidly mounted on the frame 18 to read upon the divisions of the ring 44. Adjustably fixed on the shaft 19 is a graved'ring 46 similar in construction and marking to the ring 44 which is disposed in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the ring 44. A Vernier plate 47 is formed as a iiange from a bracket 48,4 which is iixedly secured to the ring 17. By the verniers 45 and 47 may be read the degrees of rotation of the rings 44 and 46 respectively. By pref. erence the ring 46 is disposed in a planes parallel with the earths axis and is em. ployed to kindicate the degrees of latitude 85-y and the ring 44 being perpendicular to the plane of the ring 46 is employed to showthe degrees of longitude and thus conjunctively indicate the position of the machinel on the earths surface.

It will be understood that the rings 44 and 46 are xed to move with the frames 26 and 18 respectively, while lthe Vernier 45 is mounted on the frame 18` and the Vernier 47 is mounted on the ring 17. The ring 17 rocks the frame 18 about the axis of the gyroscope 21 or trunnions 14 of the gimbal 15 while'the gyroscope 22 maintains the ring 44 in the position originally set. Therefore, as the vessel or carrier, provided with a machine of the character mentioned, travels tothe west or east the Vernier 45 is shifted over the ring 44 to indicate, lby reading thereon, at stated times, as indicated by a chronometer carried on board, the number of the degree of longitude and fraction thereof indicating the geographic position of the vessel east or west of the Standard meridian.

It will also be understood that the adjustment of the gimbal 15 by gravity changes the plane 'of the ring 17 relative to they plane of the gyroscope 21. rihis change of planes causes the Vernier 47 to travel over the ring 46, the latter being held fixed on lthe frame 18. Thereading of the Vernier 47 upon the ring 46 ascertains the degrees of latitude at all times to which thevessel lhas traveled. Therefore by reading the Vernier 47 and ring 46, and the Vernier 45 and ring 44, the exact geographic position of the vessel, expressed in latitude and longi-l tude, is at' all times ascertained.

The prime movers for rotating the gyroscopes 21 and 22are the electric motors 29. rIhe wiring for the' leading in the ACurrent to these motors may be of any approved form; one form is shown in Figs. 2 and 6 of the drawings. On the ring 17 adjacent lOl ,49 in which are rotatably mounted the brush arms '0. At the ends of cach arm 50 is provided a wheel 51. Each wheel 51 rolls on a contact ring 52, 53, said rings being separated and mounted on an insulating block 54 rigidly attached to the shaft 19.

From, the rings 52 and respectively are extended the w1res constitutmg the mams of the circuit conveyed to the commutators of cone-shaped recess in the blockV the motors 29. By preference the two motors 29A are mounted in series. The wires from the arms are carried through suitable boxes formed in the body A, the wires being sufliciently flexed to avoid interference with the action of the machine.

A preferred form of the bearings for the various gimbals and rings above mentioned vis best seen in Fig. 5 of the drawings, where is depicted the trunnion 16 and a fragment of the gimbal 15. The bearing provided is a block is suitably mounted in a housing 56,

' and is supported therein by a threaded colthe bearings is to compensate for any wear ing the frames 18 on the vbearings and so preserve constant the center of gravity of the machine. lVhile I have shown and prefer the form of bearing in Fig. 5, it will be understood that I do not intend to limit myself to the use of this' form of bearing only. In many instances I prefer ball bearings for mounting the various trunnions.

In the above description it has been stated that. the various rings and gimbals supportand 26 are rocked to conform `to the varying perpendicular of gravity. For this purpose any suitable weight may be suspended from the gimbal 15. Such a device, however, would swing with the vessel or other -carrier of the machine, and the readings of the verniers 45 and 47 would be difficult. Y It is to provide for steadying the gimbals 13 and 15 that there is-provided as a plumbingvf'eight the gyroseope 62, which is suspended on a vertical shaft 63. The ring 64 is provided with trunnions: 65 having bearings in a ring 66', the trnnnions whereof are mounted in vertically disposed bearings 67. The ring 66 is supported in a hanging Iframe 68, the bolting flanges whereof are secured in blocks'69 formed in the gimbal For the. lower trunnion of the ginibal 66 there is provided the clamping jaws 7() and a locking screw 7l. The gyroseope 62 is driven b` l an electric motor 73, the wiring 74 theretorlwingmounted in the manner above 65 described with reference to the motors 29.

Thev

-parts comprising the While the weight of the gyroscope 62, motor 73 andY parts connected therewith serves the purpose above stated, to lplumb the machine at all times, the gyroscope serves the further purpose of arresting when desired the vibration of the machine. This vibration may'at any time be arrested by energizing the motor 73.

l/Vhen itis desired to read the markings `on the ring 46 the operator disposes the gimbals `64 and 66 of the gyroscope 62 parallel with the said ring 46. He then turns thercurrent on the motor 73 to operate the gyroscope.'

This arrests the swing of the machine in the plane of the said gimbals 64 and 66. If any torce. 1s there brought to bear upon the gyroscope 62, tending to rotate 1t 1n the said plane, the machine will retain its position due to the gyroscopic force, while the gyroscope 62 precesses about the axis 65, 65. The

vernier 47 and the ring 46 are then relatively stationary and the closest reading is possible. The lnotoroperating the gyrosoope 62 is then stopped and the gimbals 64 and 66 are disposed parallel with the ring 44, and the motor and gyroscopic action is resumed. The

reading of the markingsl on the ring 44 is then noted.

It will be observed that in each of the settings of the gimbals 64-and 66 the gimbals 13 and 15 may swing in a direction transverse the axis 65, 65. Vhen' the two readings have been obtained the operator discontinues the service of the motor 7 3, when the' gyroscopic action determines, and the .gyroscope and motor connected therewith become plumbing weightsl for the machine.

lVhen employing a machine of the character described and shown the usual method is as follows: It will be understood that the present machine have been individually and collectively carefully balanced. If the machine has been standing and the gyroscopes notoperating, prior to starting the gyroscopes, the frames 18 and 26 are set in positions where the rings 46 and 44 indicate the latitude and longitude of the locality in which the vessel or machine then reading of the Vernier 47 andthe ring 46 indicates the exact'known latitude of theposition. In the operation of'settin g the frame 1S the same is inicrometrically adjsuted by manipulating the screw 38 after the ]aws have been4k clamped upon the'shaft 19. By this' means the necessary refinement of adjustment 4of the vernieil andthe ring maybe obtained.4 Similar means are employed for setting the frame 26, whereby the indicated position of the machine as shown by the reading of the vernier 45 and the ring 44, is made to correspond with the known longitude ot the position. The frame 1.8 is adjusted that. the axis 2723 of the said frame This is accomplished by manually rock7 v ing the frame 18 on its'shaft'lt) until the 1,15`

is placed in the plane of the geographic meridian. This may be accomplished by employing a com ass, or other approved means, for establis ing the true north. The machine is thus accurately set to indicate the known 5geographic position of the point of departure. The frames 18 and 26 and the rings 44 and el-G are thereafter maintained in fixed relation in space by the operation of the gyroscopes -21 and 22 which is now inaugurated, irrespective of the gravity perpendiculars of the machine.,

It will be undepst'food that asthemachine is ,moved from pdintt point on the earth7s surface, the plumb line through the center of gravity of the machine, or the gravity perpendiculars,will varyr, the ""re'lative arrangement of the ring 17 carrying the Vernier 47, and the frame 18 and the ring 4G mounted thereon; and that the reading of the Vernier and ring will at all times indicate with the same precision the degrees of latitude of the new position. In a similar manner the variation of arrangement betweenl the ring 44 and the Vernier l5` will indicate the degrees of longitude 'of the new position.

It will be understood that when the above described apparatus is mounted in the most approved form, the case formed by the body A and the half-globe D is adapted to maintain a partial vacuum when formed therein.

Means for forming the vacuum, together with the attachment of the same to the case, are not showni in the accompanying drawings. Any suitable means may be employed. lVhile I prefer to operate the gyroscopes in a vacuum or rareiied atmosphere thus established in the manner stated, it will be un; derstood that this is not essential,l as=y the apparatus will operate perfectly in any atmosphere. It 1is not deemed necessary, though preferred, that the apparatus should be covered, it being, however, visable to protect the bearings and the apparatus from the effect of air currents. i,

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is nected; and means carried by said frames thought a.d. from` wear I t-ioned gyroscopicall geographic position indicator, com` la gyroscopically controlled frame pivotally` mounted Within said gravity actuated frame; a second gyroscopically controlled frame pivotally mounted in the first mentioned gyroscopically controlled frame the pivotal axis of said second gyroscopieally controlled frame being coincident with the gyroscopic axis of said first mentioned gyroseopically controlled frame; a'plurality of gyroscopes operatively connected one with each of said frames, each of said gyroscopes being disposed with its axis perpendicular to the axis of the frame to which it is operatively connected; and means carried by ,said frames for denoting the variation in the angularity of the planes of said frames.

` 3. A geographic posit-ion indicator, comprising a gravity actuated frame; balancing gimbals for supporting said frame, said frame hein pivotally mounted in one of said gimba s; a gyroscopically controlled frame pivotally mounted in said gravity ac tuated frame; trolled frame pivotally mounted in the first mentioned gyroscopically controlled frame the pivotal axis of said second gyroscopically controlled frame being coincident .with the gyroscopic axis of said first mentioned gyroscopically controlled frame; a pluralit of gyroscopes operatively connected one witi each of said frames, each of saidgyroscopes being disposed with its axis perpendicular to the axis of the frame to 'which it is operatively connected; and means carried by said frames for denoting the variation in the angularity of the planes of said frames.

A geographic position indicator, comprising a gravity actuated frame; a balancing supporting structure for said frame; a gyroscopically controlled frame mounted pivotally within said gravity actuated frame; a second gyroscopically controlled fra-me pivotally mounted in the first mencontrolled frame 4the pivotal :axis of sai second gyroscopically controlled frame being coincident with the gyroscopic axis of said rst mentioned roscopical yA controlled frame; a plurality of gyroscopes operatively connected one with each of said frames, each of said gyroscopes being-disposed with its axis perpendicular to the axis ofthe frame to which it is op eratively connected; means carried by said frames for denoting` the variation in the angularity of the planes of said frames; and a gyroscopic device mounted on said gravity actuated frame operable at willfor arresting the movementvof said structure.

A geographic position indicator, comprlsing a gravity actuated frame; balanca/second gyroscopically coning gimbals for supporting said frame, said` frame beingpivotally mounted in one of said gimbals; a gyroscopically controlled frame pivotally mounted in said gravity lactuated frame; a second gyroscopically controlled frame pivotally mounted in the first mentioned gyroscopically controlled frame the pivotal axis of said second gyroscopically controlled frame being coincident with the gyioscopic axisof said first mentioned gyroscopically controlled frame; a plurality of'gyroscopes operatively connected one with each of said frames, each ofy said gyroscopes being disposed with its axis perpendicular to the axis of the Jframe to which 'it is ope 1atively connected; means carried by said iframes for denoting tlie variation in tlie angularity of the planes of said frames; and' gyroscopicdevices mounted on said gravity actuated frame operable at will for arresting tlie movement of said giinbals.

(.3. A geographic position indicator," coniprising` a gravity actuated frame; a gyroscopically controlled frame pivotally mountq ed Within said `gravity actuated framepa second `Q yroscopically controlled frame pivotally mounted in tlie first mentioned gyroscopically controlled traine the pivotal axisof said second `gvroscopically controlled flanie being coincident with tlie gyroscopicA axis of said first mentioned gyroscopically controlled frame; a plurality7 of gyroscopes operatively connected' oneivitli eacli of Said frames, eacli of said gyroscopes being disposed witli its axis perpendicular to tlie axis of tbe frame to which it is operatively connected; and a plurality of graduated members adjustably fixed on one of said frames to indicate tliemovement of one ot tbe adjacentframes, said graduated members being adjustable at will for initial read; ing. 7. A geographic position indicator, comprising a gravity actuated frame; a gyroscopically controlled frame pivotally mounted Witbin said gravity actuated frame; a second gyroscopically controlled frame pivotally mounted in the first mentioned gyroscopically controlled frame the pivotal axis of saidl second gyroscopically controlled frame being coincident lWitli the gyro'scopic axis ot said first mentioned gyioscopicallyY controlled frame; a plurality of gvroscopes operatively connected one with each of said frames. eacli ofisaid gyroscopes being disposed vritli its axis perpendicular tothe axis of the traine to which it is operatively connected; a plurality of graduated members adjustably fixed on one of said frames to indicate the movement of one of tlie adjacent frames` said graduated members being adjustable at will for initial reading; and a plurality of locking` devices for holding the said frames in adjusted position.

8. In a geographic position indicator, a pivotally mounted spider frame ;V a gyroscope mounted in said frame the axis of said gyroscope being vperper'idicular in tlie pivotal' axis of said frame; a second frame pivotally. mounted in said spider frame the incident vvitli the axis of said gyroscope; a second gyros'cope mounted in said second trame the axis of said second gyroscope being disposed perpendicular to tlie pivotalaxis of said second frame; and a plurality of prime movers one being operatively connected to each of the said gyroscopes.

9. In a geographic position indicator, a pivotally mounted spider frame; a gyroscope mounted in said frame the axis ot said gyroscope being perpendicular to the pivotal axis of said frame; a second framepivotally mounted in said spider frame tlie pivotal axis of said second frame being copivotal axis of said second frame being coincident witli tlie axis of said gyroscope; a

second gyroscopemounted in said second .frame the axis of said second gyroscope being disposed perpendicular' to the pivotal axis of said second frame; and a plurality of electric motors one of. said motors beingr drivingly connected with each of said gyro scopes to rotate tlie sama,

10. In a geographic position indicator, a pivotally mounted spider frame; a' gyroscope mounted in said frame the axis of said gyroscope being perpendicular to tlie pivotal axis of said frame; a second frame pivotally mounted in said spider frame the pivotal axisof said second frame being coincident with the axis of said gyroscope; a second gyroscope mounted in said second frame the axis of said second gyroscope being disposed perpendicularly to the pivotal axis of said second frame; a plurality of prime movers one being operatively connected to veach of said gyroscopes;\ and 'means for mechanically adjusting saidA frames on their pivotal bearings.

11; In a: geographic 'position indicator ,`a pivotally mounted spider frame; a- `f vroscopemounted in said frame the axis otsa-id gyroscope being perpendicular to tlie pivotal axis of said frame; a second frame pivotally mounted in said spider frame tlie piv- Aotal axisfof said second framebeing coincibeing disposed with gyroscopically controlled frame pivotallyI mounted Within said gravity actuated frame; a second gyroscopically `controlled frame pivotally mounted in the irst mentioned gyroscopically controlled frame the pivotal axis of said second gyroscopically controlled frame being coincidentl with the gyroscopic axis of said lirst mentioned gyroscopically controlled frame; a plurality of gyroscopes operatively connected one with each of said frames, each of said gyroscopes its axis perpendicular to the axis of the frame to Whlch it is operatively connected; means carried yby said frames for denoting the variations in the angularity of the planes of said frames; and a containing case havin a transparent cover and adaptedto maintam a partial vacuum when formed therein.

13. A geographic position indicator, comprising a gravity actuated frame; a balancing supporting structure for said frame; a gyroscopically controlled frame pivotally mounted within said gravity actuated frame; a second gyroscopically controlled frame pivotally mounted in the iirst menf tioned gyrosco ically controlled frame the pivotal axis o being coincident with the gyroscopic axis of said first mentioned gyroscopicallycontrolled frame; a plurality of gyroscopes operatively connected one with each of said frames, each of saidgyroscopes being disposed with its axis perpendicular to the axis of the frame to which it is operatively connected; means carried by said frames for 'denoting the variations in the angularity of the planes of said frames; and a containing case for said structure adapted to'maintain a partial vacuum when formed therein.-

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

FRANCIS R. SWEENY. Witnesses:

HALE HOUSTON, STYLES HOWARD.

said second gyroscopically, vcontrolled frame 

